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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
Let not those who rely upon carrying the election into the House of Representatives deceive themselves. The people have been taught to dread such consummation. Neither four, three, nor two opponents of the Republican candidate can carry it there; and if they could, the strife that is being engendered among the different factions, would render the result very uncertain. There must be an abandonment of specious dogmas, clap-trap plat- forms, and electioneering cant; and a concentration upon a com- mon principle, for a common purpose, or else the factions which united would constitute a majority which must make up ~heir minds to the elevation of a sectional President, whose claim to success is based upon opposition to the institution whose exi_sting should never have been brought into national politics. A timely union of all National Union men to defeat this sectionalism, would put an end to discord and the clamorous tendency towards dis- union. I call upon my countrymen to forget me and to forget the claims and endorsements of all mere men, as well as the hopes of the mere office seekers, who expect to profit by the elevation of one man or another. They should remember the· farewell address of the father of his country, and the immortal sentiment of the Hero of New Orleans and the sage of the Hermitage, "The Federal Union, it must be preserved." Could the spirits of Jack- son, Clay, and Webster be recalled to take part in the active transactions of the political arena, the Union would be preserved. Laboring through life to perpetuate its glory, they knew its value and appreciated its blessings. I am aware that it would be pleasing to my friends of different preferences as to the remaining candidates, to have me express a choice of one or the other of them. But I trust that it will be seen from this and from my previous letters that my sentiments rise above mere personal preference. I desire to see a union of all national minded men, to defeat dangerous sectionalism; and I leave my friends free to pursue whatever course may appear to them best at such a crisis. I cannot conclude without returning my sincere thanks to those who have in various ways expressed a desire to see me occupy the distinguished position of President. But to remain longer in the field, could be productive of no good, and it might be a stumbling block in the way of those who·desire harmony. Very respectfully Sam Houston. 1TJie Harrison Flag, September 1, 1860; The National lntelligence1·, Sep- tember 5, 1860.
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